i dont want to detract from the serious and somberness but it's b/c of crap like this that senior citizens should be given some sort of knowledge and physical exam before they are allowed to operate vehicles, much like a dmv retest. I once was with my grandpa when he was driving a car and he almost hit, like, two people and some other incorrect driving.
@Dbelenit This crash had nothing, absolutely NOTHING, to do with the age of the pilot. I hope to God that I'm in good as shape at 50 as this guy was at 67.
@DoeDeerDoe your that fucking stupid? guide wires at 200+ mph towards the ground followed by explosion? where the fuck did the plane go then DUMBASS!?
@SS496BBC Oh now... many people will think of this as the most eventful day of their lives, the day Ol Crash Leeward packed it in and they were right there!
@ChicaWolverina what is wrong with you fuckin assholes. it was not the most eventful day of my life thats for sure, but its still tragic to see a great pilot go doing what he loves to do. this video doesnt need dicks like you and that other prick talkin shit about this man
The guy died inside the plane, as you can see in some pictures there was noone in the cockpit, which means that the guy had either passed out or died above, i suspect that he died. They shouldn't allow anyone of age 60+ to drive an aeroplane, in some countries they prevent 60+ people to drive cars!! so how can they let them drive aeroplanes.
@7ood He did not die. He passed out from the G forces exerted on his body. His P51 Mustang could go as fast as some jets. When the plane goes up, that puts twice your normal G's on your body. He went straight up which meant he passed out at that time, and could not recover.
It's odd but you don't get the real feel for how close were were in this video. We had components land about 100 feet from us. As you can tell, it was scary enough that I told my son to get down.
Very sad loss of a wonderful pilot and spectators involved. My thoughts and prayers to all the families and friends of those involved. Although I had never met Mr. Leeward, I have seen him fly and understand he was in good health and cleared to participate. The sport has inherent dangers and the apparent equipment failure would have challenged a pilot of any age. Some witnesses even attribute his response to the failure for potentially minimizing the magnitude of the disaster.
This video really hits me hard, I can see myself (wearing the bright green Tsunami shirt). Once I saw Jimmy pull out the the vertical and then saw him roll inverted I hopped the fence thinking he was coming at us... The sounds of the event have haunted me every night. I love the Air Races and this was my 20th year of attendance. Met Jimmy a couple of times, what an outstanding pilot he was! Myself and I am sure Jimmy Leeward would want the Races to continue every year. RIP JImmy and airrace fans
@mariomodguy - This is very a very disturbing video to watch. However, I suppose it does provide a venue for folks to offer condolences and concern for those involved. Unfortunately, it also provides a venue for mean-spirited comments. Perhaps these posts are from children who have become so callous from hours of mindless video-game playing and are incapable of differentiating from reality. Pitiful situation.
@mariomodguy Sorry for the generalization. I really meant to just express that I hope it is not adults making such heartless comments. I realize that many folks can play games and still differentiate from reality.
@jgegan63 This is an age old problem with open online forums. People who have no regard for others will often tout a biased or controversial opinion that they would not otherwise state in the company of loved ones. People also often react very violently in forums like this because it's safe or anonymous. It seems to me that that the community has been really good at flagging and removing obscene posts -- and for that I am very grateful.
These guys modify their planes way past design limits and in this pilot's case flew at an age when he probably shouldn't have been flying at that level of speed and g force. Had he stayed on the ground vice pushing himself and his plane well past what is likely safe those innocent people would be alive today. He spoke with great hubris about how he had these aces up his sleeve and how fast his plane was. I am disgusted by the idea of him flying that particular plane over a crowded area. HUBRIS
@BadazzShovelhead - As an engineer, I will agree that I found Mr. Leeward's comments regarding his modifications to be a little cavalier. However, this sort of bravado is part of the sport. Although he may have spoken this way, the changes were made over many years. It is very common for the aircraft to be modified and the FAA (not a cavalier bunch) vets all the modifications. It is not yet clear if the failure even had anything to do with the modifications. I am sure they will be reviewed.
@jgegan63 In an interview he said "The systems aren't proven yet, we think they are going to be okay." I get bravado I have it, my father was a USAF pilot, at one time part of the test pilot program in late 60s, flew in a ground attack role in Vietnam twice. I have met his friends that were Thunderbirds and astronauts. I don't recognize my father or his friends in his attitude. to fly something he thinks will be ok @ forces that could and did bring him over people. That is not bravado.
Ask Bob Hannah, pilot of Voodoo in 1998, about what happens to a P51 when it loses its elevator trim tab.
Credit: wikipedia
In 1998, a left trim tab was lost during the Reno Air Races by another modified P-51 Mustang named the Voodoo Chile. The 1998 incident did not lead to a crash, but pilot "Hurricane" Bob Hannah reported that when the elevator trim tab came off during the race, the airplane pitched up and subjected him to over 10 g's deceleration and a loss of consciousness.
In a podcast uploaded to YouTube in June, Leeward said major changes were made to the plane before this year's race. He said his crew cut five feet off each wing and shortened the ailerons — the back edge of the main wings used to control balance — to 32 inches, down from about 60 inches.
"I know the speed. I know it'll do the speed. The systems aren't proven yet. We think they're going to be OK," Leeward said.
the Bystanders that were watching the horror say that Jimmy Leeward is actually a hero because it was able to turn the airplane so it wouldn't hit the bleacher because the Mustang Airplane was actually going to the Bleacher and would of killed more people but he just barely move it and hit the box seats. But still there were actually a lot people that were still killed and may all that died R.I.P including Jimmy Leeward.
Some analysis of close-ups from footage and photos and analysis from the seconds prior to the dive has suggested the elevator trim tab had come loose prior to the crash.
It appears even this early on that it was a mechanical failure of the aircraft.
There was an obvious failure of the plane. Part of the elevator trim tab was missing/damaged. It would apear Jimmy did an excellent job of piloting a crippled plane away from the spectators with what little he had to work with. It could have been a whole lot worse very easily. Hats off to Jimmy...
I was there shooting with my daughter. Thank god the debris field did not go left or right. Thank god the plane did not hit in the stands. The announcers and many more people would have been injured. Thank god Jimmy brought the plain as close to the tarmac as possible. I pray for all those that are suffering and pray the Air Races return. We need a release of all liability statement on all tickets from every patron, just in case this ever happens again.
it doesnt matter of how old he was! Obviously he was the best out there. He was in perfect health. Stabalizer broke and there he lost control. nothing you can do about it. Just have to move on and keep racing! Its just a freak accident. i hope they get to race again.
As a pilot I'll say It could have been caused by a variety of reasons. My first impression (unsubstantiated of course) is the Mustang's pilot had a heart attack. The reason I say that is the plane pitches up as if on command (him pulling his arm back involuntary towards his torso) then looses control (now unconscious) and heads into the ground vertically.
shit man I was gonna go drive down to reno to go get some stuff down there yesterday. thank god i wasnt there. also i think only 3 people died so dont believe that part of the descibtion
my grandma knew him from grade and high school in Fort Wayne.. She told me that even though he was in movies he thought of himself as an everyday person and not as a famous person.. The sweetest man she ever seen. RIP Jimmy, wish I had a chance to meet you!
Very sad day! Not only for the pilot and the crowd, but also for history, that is nearly a one of a kind aircraft, very rare the P-51 Mustang. IMO it is the very best single engine pro aircraft. What a tragedy. My prayers go up for the families and the injured.
@MrAaronloori67 corduroyplanet.blogspot.com/2011/09/chilled.html Points out the aircraft had lost a trim tab and had its tailwheel down. Something went wrong with that plane.
My grandpap says these plane collectors are a bunch of nuts. He was in the Navy in WWII and says those planes don't have heaters and are so uncomfortable you hope to get shot down.
@SweetJaneofGoth Lack of a heater may have may have made escorting a Bomber a little uncomfortable at high-altitude, but not much need for a heater on the deck in reno. No disrespect to your grandpap, but I do not believe many aviators would regard the P-51 as a "junker".
These are the daily risks we take in life. Appreciate each day and appreciate each other because you don't know if you'll ever see them again tomorrow.
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Stupid "sport" if u can even call it a sport. People obviously dont have anything better to do than to play Superman in a plane. Same goes for all those "extreme" sports. In the end they have none but themselves to blame for their destruction. I do feel sorry for the innocent peoples life´s that ended that day but the pilot, I couldnt feel the least sorry for. He knew the risks, ignored them and this is the result.
@QuieThinker Most sports are not perfectly safe. Sports are often designed to push humans and equipment to the breaking point. Many revel in that, both the participant and the observer. Everyone knows the risks, but chooses to take them anyway for the fun and challenge of pushing themselves.
We all take calculated risks, every time you get in the car your taking on more statistical risk than the observers were at this show. Fortunately accidents like this are quite rare.
We in Italy are very sad about this tragedy in Nevada. Probably if the public had not been below the acrobatics this would not happen. You need a safe distance, as we do in Italy in our acrobatic event. We have the best team in the world " LE FRECCIE ROSSE" and the best school of acrobatics . The U.S.A should be less arrogant at and meybe should take a cue from countries like mine whit 2500 years of history. Now someone has to respond and take its responsibilities,
@MrItaliano1900 The people are not seated anywhere near the course for the aerobatics........They had all the precautions they needed in place. This could very well happen in your country as well if a plane were to have an issue. So you are the arrogant bastard who is just making assumptions of where people were seated and what happened. Stop posting on shit you have no knowledge of and take responsibility for your fucking comments you Italian mother fucker!
From a Corduroy blog : (search pars of this text on google and you will find the post with pictures :
"Clearly visible is the missing elevator trim tab on the left side elevator. This is exactly the kind of failure that would cause aerodynamic imbalance , and induce flutter into the control surfaces (especially the elevator in this case) and make the airframe shudder, making recovery of control at this high speed and low altitude extremely difficult."
DEADLINE: Another strange fact. This plane was disqualified on the same date SEPT 16 in races in 1978,1982, 2005,and 2006 in Reno for crossing the "deadline" (getting to close to the crowd). It also did not finish about half the races entered since the 40's due to mechanical problems. Crashed in 1970 and 1975, but was rebuilt.
@FuckYouGeorge4title ohh yeah because he intentionally crashed it into the crowd. you absolute dickhead. your grandpa may have died but seriously grow up
@FuckYouGeorge4title I am sorry for your loss! My friend and Roommate is in the ICU in critical condition. But you can't completely blame Jimmy over this. No pilot plans for this sort of accident. I'm sure if he had another option he would have tried to execute it.
@hoosierredneck1 I think the point being made so inelegantly by the baron is that he didn't save peoples lives, he reduced the number of dead. Its a subtle point and the baron is clearly someone with anger management issues.
What a terrible way to go.. I feel terrible for all the victims and their families. It is odd to think though that a man in his mid-70s could withstand those kinds of g-forces. You have to think that health issues may have come into play... Thats a discussion for another time though. Well wishes to all the victims and their families.
How can you say it was an obvious failure of the plane? He was 80. That could play into it. Although I hope it was structural failure and not a medical condition.
@reycym1 From my point of view, I could see that he was trying to regain control of the plain. There is another angle of this accident that shows Mr. Leeward making corrections as he gains altitude.
@ChicaWolverina So you're stating that the hanging and broken tail elevator trim of the galloping ghost, depicted in multiple images online, has nothing to do with attitude or control of the plane. You're also implying that the media has an agenda to cover up a potential physical failure of the pilot. What would the media have to gain from this "delusion"?
@kscotts Non, I said the he lost the trim (tab), and that it is too minor of an effect alone to account for "uncontrolability", why even Jimmy would tell you this. It also can't account for much else other than a secondary effect, i.e. it's no B52 et al, and you do fly these BTSOYP. Also it's not likely flutter, it's not to say it couldn't have been lose of pitch control, there's more he would have been able to stay aloft longer.
Respond to this video... And no here again you project... I'm stating that the "media" is spinning already disinfo in implying that it is mechanical malfunction, not that is at all unlikely, it's just just as likey with his skills he could have done much better had he not possibly been otherwise "incapacitated". Capiche?
@reycym1 Quite frankly, based on high-resolution photos, an obvious failure of the plane is the most likely explanation. It's hard to argue with a photo of a missing trim tab in flight. It looks like the entire trim tab broke off, and the vibrations shook the tailwheel off. Also, the pilot issued a mayday and went into a climb, as per procedures, and in another photo it appears the pilot is most likely all the way back pulling on the stick.
@reycym1 also we can say obvious failure was because he radioed in a mayday and was about to actually pull out of the race and then this happened. rip everyone
@reycym1 I'd imagine it highly unlikely it was a medical condition... People who stay fit and mentally agile will not be affected as much by what people know as old age- someone like this guy, a stunt pilot that also races these planes, of his age, I'd expect them to have an extra pair of eyes on and would subsequently have to have been in peak medical shape, as indeed all high-end pilots are.
I hope that the sport doesn't get tamed down in a RIAT fashion due to this Spectatrs: Accept the risks
@thatman64 I agree, I'd hate to see them take out the VIP sections or move the stands back. Besides, no matter where you move the stands an incident like this could be repeated. These plains are traveling between 300-500 miles per hour. So they can cover any short distance you put between them and the crowd very fast. Here's what I keep thinking -- If this failure occurred on any other turn, the crowd would not be in the path.
@reycym1 because there are pictures already coming out showing elevator separation from the rear horizontal stabilizers... means, loss of control.........
@reycym1 It was definitely structural failure.There is a perfect clear still photo of the elevator trim-tab separating from the aircraft. This is catastrophic since it helps reduce aerodynamic pressure on the flight controls. A lost of the trim tab at that speed w/those kind of forces would cause a severe pitch oscillation. That is exactly what happened in the video, further supporting the still photo. He severely pitch up after the trim failed, ultimately stalling, and crashing straight down.
why you stopped filmed? thats weird
tpda1990 2 months ago
RIP Mr Leeward you were a great pilot and you died doing what you loved! Keep flying buddy.
scottlenahan 4 months ago
@scottlenahan SRSLY: Non!
ChicaWolverina 4 months ago
i dont want to detract from the serious and somberness but it's b/c of crap like this that senior citizens should be given some sort of knowledge and physical exam before they are allowed to operate vehicles, much like a dmv retest. I once was with my grandpa when he was driving a car and he almost hit, like, two people and some other incorrect driving.
Dbelenit 5 months ago
@Dbelenit This crash had nothing, absolutely NOTHING, to do with the age of the pilot. I hope to God that I'm in good as shape at 50 as this guy was at 67.
nocalsteve 5 months ago
Obvious troll is obvious.... Stop replying to him
captaindotman 5 months ago
You know the guy died right..? And 3-4 others were killed
Brydanyourday 5 months ago
@kscotts
Don't argue with him. It's your video upload. Take charge of it. Just delete those kinds of inane comments.
TheJediCharles 5 months ago
This can't be real, yo can see the guide wires.
DoeDeerDoe 5 months ago
@DoeDeerDoe your that fucking stupid? guide wires at 200+ mph towards the ground followed by explosion? where the fuck did the plane go then DUMBASS!?
jivarvo22 5 months ago
I can't believe I fell for this. I can't stop laughing. So fake.
DoeDeerDoe 5 months ago
@DoeDeerDoe Really? I mean, really really? Have you not seen the news or looked online for other videos? Wow!
kscotts 5 months ago 7
@DoeDeerDoe You are retarded. Are you happy that you laughed when 11 people have died in this tragic event? YOU ARE AN IDIOT!
TheValleyPsalm 5 months ago
@DoeDeerDoe it's real dude...
chris28ish 5 months ago
@DoeDeerDoe LOL you're such a dumbass. My dad was there and saw it in person. Get your shit straight.
69FoodLover 5 months ago
@DoeDeerDoe For those of us that were there we wish it was fake.
dhtahoe38 5 months ago
@DoeDeerDoe
darwin is so proud
GIANNHSPEIRAIAS 5 months ago
@DoeDeerDoe this is not a video to laugh over, I cant believe you have the nerve to say this is fake.
SS496BBC 5 months ago
@DoeDeerDoe this is not a video to laugh over, I cant believe you have the nerve to say this is fake.
SS496BBC 5 months ago
@SS496BBC Oh now... many people will think of this as the most eventful day of their lives, the day Ol Crash Leeward packed it in and they were right there!
ChicaWolverina 5 months ago
@ChicaWolverina what is wrong with you fuckin assholes. it was not the most eventful day of my life thats for sure, but its still tragic to see a great pilot go doing what he loves to do. this video doesnt need dicks like you and that other prick talkin shit about this man
SS496BBC 5 months ago
@DoeDeerDoe dude. check the news. you must be wayyyy out of wack to not know this is true.
straighttailpilot 5 months ago
@DoeDeerDoe i cant stop laughing at you!
SuperToxicBug 5 months ago
@DoeDeerDoe Oh I am sure you have fallen for a lot but this aint it
rockstarr469 3 weeks ago
The guy died inside the plane, as you can see in some pictures there was noone in the cockpit, which means that the guy had either passed out or died above, i suspect that he died. They shouldn't allow anyone of age 60+ to drive an aeroplane, in some countries they prevent 60+ people to drive cars!! so how can they let them drive aeroplanes.
7ood 5 months ago
@7ood he probably passed out under heavy G forces, not died.
bonzelite 5 months ago
@7ood well i hope you dont get to drive or do anything you love when you are sixty
MAKYA1023 5 months ago
@7ood He did not die. He passed out from the G forces exerted on his body. His P51 Mustang could go as fast as some jets. When the plane goes up, that puts twice your normal G's on your body. He went straight up which meant he passed out at that time, and could not recover.
TheValleyPsalm 5 months ago
It's odd but you don't get the real feel for how close were were in this video. We had components land about 100 feet from us. As you can tell, it was scary enough that I told my son to get down.
kscotts 5 months ago
Very sad loss of a wonderful pilot and spectators involved. My thoughts and prayers to all the families and friends of those involved. Although I had never met Mr. Leeward, I have seen him fly and understand he was in good health and cleared to participate. The sport has inherent dangers and the apparent equipment failure would have challenged a pilot of any age. Some witnesses even attribute his response to the failure for potentially minimizing the magnitude of the disaster.
jgegan63 5 months ago
This video really hits me hard, I can see myself (wearing the bright green Tsunami shirt). Once I saw Jimmy pull out the the vertical and then saw him roll inverted I hopped the fence thinking he was coming at us... The sounds of the event have haunted me every night. I love the Air Races and this was my 20th year of attendance. Met Jimmy a couple of times, what an outstanding pilot he was! Myself and I am sure Jimmy Leeward would want the Races to continue every year. RIP JImmy and airrace fans
Need4Gs 5 months ago
First video showing the actual plane goin down I see thx for upload
808chileboys 5 months ago
why is a 74 year old racing one of those air crafts?
AgentMrX7 5 months ago
@AgentMrX7 Where? I thought he was dead?
eafanboyssuck 5 months ago
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Taooe 5 months ago
I heard there were chopped up limbs everywhere!
ViETxSOULJAx 5 months ago
o my god this was shocking i never saw this before :0
7249xxl 5 months ago
Anyone who races aircraft is by definition not mentally fit to fly one.
ufewl 5 months ago
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@ufewl I bet you suck cock for a living.....
Need4Gs 5 months ago
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Taooe 5 months ago
YES NO GUY FUCKING STANDING UP AND BLOCKING THE WAY
Funkypotato14 5 months ago
Some people said the pilot is a hero. I do not understand.
FireBomberBassist 5 months ago
I understand why people want to see what happened but people really died in this video and shouldnt be shown
mariomodguy 5 months ago
@mariomodguy - This is very a very disturbing video to watch. However, I suppose it does provide a venue for folks to offer condolences and concern for those involved. Unfortunately, it also provides a venue for mean-spirited comments. Perhaps these posts are from children who have become so callous from hours of mindless video-game playing and are incapable of differentiating from reality. Pitiful situation.
jgegan63 5 months ago
@jgegan63 well i play video games for hours and agree
mariomodguy 5 months ago
@mariomodguy Sorry for the generalization. I really meant to just express that I hope it is not adults making such heartless comments. I realize that many folks can play games and still differentiate from reality.
jgegan63 5 months ago
@jgegan63 This is an age old problem with open online forums. People who have no regard for others will often tout a biased or controversial opinion that they would not otherwise state in the company of loved ones. People also often react very violently in forums like this because it's safe or anonymous. It seems to me that that the community has been really good at flagging and removing obscene posts -- and for that I am very grateful.
kscotts 5 months ago
R.I.P but this video is the best becauae ican actaully see
XxRoyalxMaddnessxX 5 months ago
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DAMN, this makes me want to go to HornyHabits com! LOL :)
AmberSpaks389 5 months ago
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aiqipe 5 months ago
Why race planes anyway....stupid
Janet6961 5 months ago
Better view than all the other ones
Mrlaxplayer28 5 months ago
Where did the orange shirted hipster go?
chisp1210 5 months ago
@chisp1210 LoL they showed him about a billion times when I was watching the news!! bastard blocked the best view!!!
PARISIANFOX 5 months ago
@chisp1210 the guy in the Orange shirt got up to go get a beer.
ufewl 5 months ago
These guys modify their planes way past design limits and in this pilot's case flew at an age when he probably shouldn't have been flying at that level of speed and g force. Had he stayed on the ground vice pushing himself and his plane well past what is likely safe those innocent people would be alive today. He spoke with great hubris about how he had these aces up his sleeve and how fast his plane was. I am disgusted by the idea of him flying that particular plane over a crowded area. HUBRIS
BadazzShovelhead 5 months ago
@BadazzShovelhead - As an engineer, I will agree that I found Mr. Leeward's comments regarding his modifications to be a little cavalier. However, this sort of bravado is part of the sport. Although he may have spoken this way, the changes were made over many years. It is very common for the aircraft to be modified and the FAA (not a cavalier bunch) vets all the modifications. It is not yet clear if the failure even had anything to do with the modifications. I am sure they will be reviewed.
jgegan63 5 months ago
@jgegan63 In an interview he said "The systems aren't proven yet, we think they are going to be okay." I get bravado I have it, my father was a USAF pilot, at one time part of the test pilot program in late 60s, flew in a ground attack role in Vietnam twice. I have met his friends that were Thunderbirds and astronauts. I don't recognize my father or his friends in his attitude. to fly something he thinks will be ok @ forces that could and did bring him over people. That is not bravado.
BadazzShovelhead 5 months ago
If u see a plabe comin down atcha run for god saje not stay still but i guess it must have happend quick
jdeepfjj 5 months ago
@jdeepfjj duh I guess so
zedosix 5 months ago
Ask Bob Hannah, pilot of Voodoo in 1998, about what happens to a P51 when it loses its elevator trim tab.
Credit: wikipedia
In 1998, a left trim tab was lost during the Reno Air Races by another modified P-51 Mustang named the Voodoo Chile. The 1998 incident did not lead to a crash, but pilot "Hurricane" Bob Hannah reported that when the elevator trim tab came off during the race, the airplane pitched up and subjected him to over 10 g's deceleration and a loss of consciousness.
PhiNewDub 5 months ago
at :20 i believe i hear a child scream "look out!"
desertdude1234 5 months ago
In a podcast uploaded to YouTube in June, Leeward said major changes were made to the plane before this year's race. He said his crew cut five feet off each wing and shortened the ailerons — the back edge of the main wings used to control balance — to 32 inches, down from about 60 inches.
"I know the speed. I know it'll do the speed. The systems aren't proven yet. We think they're going to be OK," Leeward said.
dreamloan 5 months ago
His elevator trim came off and once he pulled up the G-forces killed him because he was doing like 350 knots
mikey65259 5 months ago
the Bystanders that were watching the horror say that Jimmy Leeward is actually a hero because it was able to turn the airplane so it wouldn't hit the bleacher because the Mustang Airplane was actually going to the Bleacher and would of killed more people but he just barely move it and hit the box seats. But still there were actually a lot people that were still killed and may all that died R.I.P including Jimmy Leeward.
MrBAJOSEXTODEORO 5 months ago
Holy Shit! My Thoughts and Prayers to Mr. Leeward and those who lost their lives in the Accident.
skatepunkzero 5 months ago
Galloping Ghost, also known as GG. LULZ
DeeStylistic 5 months ago
When the heart-at-tak comes where yah gonna run... and it's hang'n fire...
ChicaWolverina 5 months ago
dam it! he killed 8 people just by crashing into them.
sam9524 5 months ago
Jesus christ you can almost feel the sound of that smack when he hit the ground. Rip thoughts and prayers
thehutchcometh 5 months ago
@thehutchcometh That's because you do feel the sound, and in other videos even agc limiter kicks in when the cellphone camera picks it up.
ChicaWolverina 5 months ago
R.I.P. JIMMY LEEWARD...GALLOPING GHOST 177 P-51...SKIES THE LIMIT
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LOVED ONES
maehd68 5 months ago 12
@maehd68
He's definitely a galloping ghost now.
Beckonor 5 months ago
holy shit...
Subnoizex 5 months ago
One the best yet, go baby, that's some drama fer ya!
ChicaWolverina 5 months ago
Some analysis of close-ups from footage and photos and analysis from the seconds prior to the dive has suggested the elevator trim tab had come loose prior to the crash.
It appears even this early on that it was a mechanical failure of the aircraft.
ChickenHawk110 5 months ago
9/11 fail
newpkmlpkm 5 months ago
There was an obvious failure of the plane. Part of the elevator trim tab was missing/damaged. It would apear Jimmy did an excellent job of piloting a crippled plane away from the spectators with what little he had to work with. It could have been a whole lot worse very easily. Hats off to Jimmy...
Initefly 5 months ago
Holyyyy shit!
defconxomega 5 months ago
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I was there shooting with my daughter. Thank god the debris field did not go left or right. Thank god the plane did not hit in the stands. The announcers and many more people would have been injured. Thank god Jimmy brought the plain as close to the tarmac as possible. I pray for all those that are suffering and pray the Air Races return. We need a release of all liability statement on all tickets from every patron, just in case this ever happens again.
TR
macminds1 5 months ago
OMG THATS HORRIBLE!
Macdog103 5 months ago
Thanx for sharing, the fist of dozens videos where the actual crash moment is visible
knightwolf200612 5 months ago
May god be with his family, and only will we remember him for his brilliants and true aviation talent.
iflysim 5 months ago
My condolences to the families of those who passed. Very tragic.
artychina 5 months ago
best footage so far.
R.I.P.
britoca 5 months ago
@britoca even better footage on liveleak
n8032 5 months ago
@n8032 "Eyewitness video from Reno Air Race disaster - Very close shot!" that's the title word for word.
n8032 5 months ago
youtube wont allow me to paste the URL tho sorry :C
n8032 5 months ago
@n8032 what is the title of the video there? maybe I can find it
britoca 5 months ago
it doesnt matter of how old he was! Obviously he was the best out there. He was in perfect health. Stabalizer broke and there he lost control. nothing you can do about it. Just have to move on and keep racing! Its just a freak accident. i hope they get to race again.
USAF2409 5 months ago
No risk no fun
Paganiproductions 5 months ago
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As a pilot I'll say It could have been caused by a variety of reasons. My first impression (unsubstantiated of course) is the Mustang's pilot had a heart attack. The reason I say that is the plane pitches up as if on command (him pulling his arm back involuntary towards his torso) then looses control (now unconscious) and heads into the ground vertically.
Mrcodewarrior77006 5 months ago
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Mrcodewarrior77006 5 months ago
goddam that plane hit hard
kazodrummer 5 months ago
shit man I was gonna go drive down to reno to go get some stuff down there yesterday. thank god i wasnt there. also i think only 3 people died so dont believe that part of the descibtion
CokeIsGoodForYa 5 months ago
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CokeIsGoodForYa 5 months ago
my grandma knew him from grade and high school in Fort Wayne.. She told me that even though he was in movies he thought of himself as an everyday person and not as a famous person.. The sweetest man she ever seen. RIP Jimmy, wish I had a chance to meet you!
KometsBlackwolf 5 months ago
Very sad day! Not only for the pilot and the crowd, but also for history, that is nearly a one of a kind aircraft, very rare the P-51 Mustang. IMO it is the very best single engine pro aircraft. What a tragedy. My prayers go up for the families and the injured.
SuperKingcobra33 5 months ago
What a waste!! Of fuel!
creativereinvestor 5 months ago
The trim tab on the elevator came apart which is said to be the reason for this disaster.
MrAaronloori67 5 months ago
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@MrAaronloori67 corduroyplanet.blogspot.com/2011/09/chilled.html Points out the aircraft had lost a trim tab and had its tailwheel down. Something went wrong with that plane.
countpiro 5 months ago
the galloping ghost made some ghosts of its own
dieselboy87 5 months ago
My grandpap says these plane collectors are a bunch of nuts. He was in the Navy in WWII and says those planes don't have heaters and are so uncomfortable you hope to get shot down.
He says they are junkers
SweetJaneofGoth 5 months ago
@SweetJaneofGoth cool story bro
joeytron9000 5 months ago
@SweetJaneofGoth Lack of a heater may have may have made escorting a Bomber a little uncomfortable at high-altitude, but not much need for a heater on the deck in reno. No disrespect to your grandpap, but I do not believe many aviators would regard the P-51 as a "junker".
jgegan63 5 months ago
@jgegan63 Grandpap says he can't understand why anybody would fly those planes around in a "goddamn circle".
SweetJaneofGoth 5 months ago
These are the daily risks we take in life. Appreciate each day and appreciate each other because you don't know if you'll ever see them again tomorrow.
B4MYTYM 5 months ago
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Stupid "sport" if u can even call it a sport. People obviously dont have anything better to do than to play Superman in a plane. Same goes for all those "extreme" sports. In the end they have none but themselves to blame for their destruction. I do feel sorry for the innocent peoples life´s that ended that day but the pilot, I couldnt feel the least sorry for. He knew the risks, ignored them and this is the result.
QuieThinker 5 months ago
@QuieThinker He did not ignore the risks. He embrace them.
raftom 5 months ago
@QuieThinker Most sports are not perfectly safe. Sports are often designed to push humans and equipment to the breaking point. Many revel in that, both the participant and the observer. Everyone knows the risks, but chooses to take them anyway for the fun and challenge of pushing themselves.
We all take calculated risks, every time you get in the car your taking on more statistical risk than the observers were at this show. Fortunately accidents like this are quite rare.
entelin 5 months ago
@entelin Well spoken
Paganiproductions 5 months ago
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We in Italy are very sad about this tragedy in Nevada. Probably if the public had not been below the acrobatics this would not happen. You need a safe distance, as we do in Italy in our acrobatic event. We have the best team in the world " LE FRECCIE ROSSE" and the best school of acrobatics . The U.S.A should be less arrogant at and meybe should take a cue from countries like mine whit 2500 years of history. Now someone has to respond and take its responsibilities,
this is a murder.
MrItaliano1900 5 months ago
@MrItaliano1900 The people are not seated anywhere near the course for the aerobatics........They had all the precautions they needed in place. This could very well happen in your country as well if a plane were to have an issue. So you are the arrogant bastard who is just making assumptions of where people were seated and what happened. Stop posting on shit you have no knowledge of and take responsibility for your fucking comments you Italian mother fucker!
Serenaml 5 months ago
@MrItaliano1900 Oh and learn how to fucking spell you uneducated piece of shit!
Serenaml 5 months ago
He lost a critical part of the elevator :
From a Corduroy blog : (search pars of this text on google and you will find the post with pictures :
"Clearly visible is the missing elevator trim tab on the left side elevator. This is exactly the kind of failure that would cause aerodynamic imbalance , and induce flutter into the control surfaces (especially the elevator in this case) and make the airframe shudder, making recovery of control at this high speed and low altitude extremely difficult."
asm6ekyu 5 months ago
Rest in Peace Jimmy Leeward
erik4701 5 months ago
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DEADLINE: Another strange fact. This plane was disqualified on the same date SEPT 16 in races in 1978,1982, 2005,and 2006 in Reno for crossing the "deadline" (getting to close to the crowd). It also did not finish about half the races entered since the 40's due to mechanical problems. Crashed in 1970 and 1975, but was rebuilt.
SacredSocietyAP 5 months ago
@FuckYouGeorge4title ohh yeah because he intentionally crashed it into the crowd. you absolute dickhead. your grandpa may have died but seriously grow up
Steino1912 5 months ago
It is strange that it was in do much of a dive. How come there was no explosion is there hardly any fuel on board?
spitfire1936 5 months ago
@FuckYouGeorge4title I am sorry for your loss! My friend and Roommate is in the ICU in critical condition. But you can't completely blame Jimmy over this. No pilot plans for this sort of accident. I'm sure if he had another option he would have tried to execute it.
nelso1cb 5 months ago
Mr. Leeward, in losing his own life saved hundreds.
hoosierredneck1 5 months ago
@hoosierredneck1 Oh fuck off and don't talk shit. He would have saved more lives if he hadn't let his macho ego put him into the cockpit.
BaronKuffner 5 months ago
@BaronKuffner I wasnt talking shit, I was making a general statement.
hoosierredneck1 5 months ago
@hoosierredneck1 I think the point being made so inelegantly by the baron is that he didn't save peoples lives, he reduced the number of dead. Its a subtle point and the baron is clearly someone with anger management issues.
BFKate 5 months ago
@BFKate I guess I probably should have made a better statement regarding that. Instead of the statement I did make.
hoosierredneck1 5 months ago
@hoosierredneck1 Your original statement was fine - there are just too many people with short fuses in the world. Like baronkuffner. Take it easy. K.
BFKate 5 months ago
At least he did not suffer...RIP Buddy
ebadeeba 5 months ago
@breezezyphyr haven't seen those pics yet. Sounds obvious then. Unfortunate. thanks
reycym1 5 months ago
Best view on youtube. Condolence's
lexani2011 5 months ago
What a terrible way to go.. I feel terrible for all the victims and their families. It is odd to think though that a man in his mid-70s could withstand those kinds of g-forces. You have to think that health issues may have come into play... Thats a discussion for another time though. Well wishes to all the victims and their families.
NazarethNostalgia 5 months ago
Sad day indeed.
DoTheNeedful 5 months ago
Thanks for the corrections. Just saw age 74. Obviously they are all very skilled pilots. Very unfortunate situation regardless.
reycym1 5 months ago
How can you say it was an obvious failure of the plane? He was 80. That could play into it. Although I hope it was structural failure and not a medical condition.
reycym1 5 months ago
@reycym1 From my point of view, I could see that he was trying to regain control of the plain. There is another angle of this accident that shows Mr. Leeward making corrections as he gains altitude.
kscotts 5 months ago
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ChicaWolverina 5 months ago
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ChicaWolverina 5 months ago
@ChicaWolverina So you're stating that the hanging and broken tail elevator trim of the galloping ghost, depicted in multiple images online, has nothing to do with attitude or control of the plane. You're also implying that the media has an agenda to cover up a potential physical failure of the pilot. What would the media have to gain from this "delusion"?
kscotts 5 months ago
@kscotts Non, I said the he lost the trim (tab), and that it is too minor of an effect alone to account for "uncontrolability", why even Jimmy would tell you this. It also can't account for much else other than a secondary effect, i.e. it's no B52 et al, and you do fly these BTSOYP. Also it's not likely flutter, it's not to say it couldn't have been lose of pitch control, there's more he would have been able to stay aloft longer.
ChicaWolverina 5 months ago
Respond to this video... And no here again you project... I'm stating that the "media" is spinning already disinfo in implying that it is mechanical malfunction, not that is at all unlikely, it's just just as likey with his skills he could have done much better had he not possibly been otherwise "incapacitated". Capiche?
ChicaWolverina 5 months ago
@reycym1 also he was 74, but this is just a fact correction.
kscotts 5 months ago 7
@kscotts His medical records were "up to date" according to the press
WarHawk427 5 months ago
@kscotts No, he was 80--he started flying in 1974, though.
nomargfan661 5 months ago
@reycym1 He was not 80 years old. That was a rumor.
kimmer6 5 months ago
@reycym1 Quite frankly, based on high-resolution photos, an obvious failure of the plane is the most likely explanation. It's hard to argue with a photo of a missing trim tab in flight. It looks like the entire trim tab broke off, and the vibrations shook the tailwheel off. Also, the pilot issued a mayday and went into a climb, as per procedures, and in another photo it appears the pilot is most likely all the way back pulling on the stick.
breezezephyr 5 months ago
@reycym1 also we can say obvious failure was because he radioed in a mayday and was about to actually pull out of the race and then this happened. rip everyone
LeDerodrea 5 months ago
@reycym1 I'd imagine it highly unlikely it was a medical condition... People who stay fit and mentally agile will not be affected as much by what people know as old age- someone like this guy, a stunt pilot that also races these planes, of his age, I'd expect them to have an extra pair of eyes on and would subsequently have to have been in peak medical shape, as indeed all high-end pilots are.
I hope that the sport doesn't get tamed down in a RIAT fashion due to this Spectatrs: Accept the risks
thatman64 5 months ago 3
@thatman64 I agree, I'd hate to see them take out the VIP sections or move the stands back. Besides, no matter where you move the stands an incident like this could be repeated. These plains are traveling between 300-500 miles per hour. So they can cover any short distance you put between them and the crowd very fast. Here's what I keep thinking -- If this failure occurred on any other turn, the crowd would not be in the path.
kscotts 5 months ago
@thatman64 you have to question a man of his age flying and racing.
He would never be allowed to fly a commercial jet.
How he got insurance is beyond me.
In the USA the age is 65 recently raised from a more sensible but still high 60, but remember there
are 2 pilots on a commercial jet and I bet they don't put two old guys on together.
British Airways recently retired pilots at 55 this guy is 20 years past that and he is flying stunts above a crowd.
THAT'S FOOKING INSANE.
ufewl 5 months ago
@reycym1 because there are pictures already coming out showing elevator separation from the rear horizontal stabilizers... means, loss of control.........
b101aa2 5 months ago
@reycym1 He was 74 not 80
Paganiproductions 5 months ago
@reycym1 It was definitely structural failure.There is a perfect clear still photo of the elevator trim-tab separating from the aircraft. This is catastrophic since it helps reduce aerodynamic pressure on the flight controls. A lost of the trim tab at that speed w/those kind of forces would cause a severe pitch oscillation. That is exactly what happened in the video, further supporting the still photo. He severely pitch up after the trim failed, ultimately stalling, and crashing straight down.
ILSRWY4 5 months ago